England

1-1

Poland

Clarke, 63 (pen)

 

Domarski, 55


World Cup Qualifier
Wembley Stadium, London
17 October 1973

A goal scored by Domarski was England's death knell in their World Cup qualifying tie against Poland at Wembley in October 1973.

Allan Clarke's well-taken penalty eight minutes later was of no avail. England had to win to qualify and so their Eastern European opponents reached the finals at winners of European Group 5 at the expense of both England and Wales.

The match had received the biggest build-up of any at Wembley since 1966 and it was a tense and passionate occasion. 

But Poland deserved their triumph for their tenacity and ability to contain incessant England attacks during long periods of the game.

How England failed to remains something of a mystery, however, as the home side created numerous chances which were there for the taking.

But, by a combination of poor marksmanship, relentless defence, and bad luck they were unable to find the net except in the case of Clarke's penalty-kick.

Perhaps the cause for England's failure was to be found in our player's inability to be cool and patient as they pressed forward time and time again.

In fairness to them, however, everyone gave their all and in truth were denied by one of the most extraordinary individual displays ever seen at the old Wembley Stadium, for in the Polish goal Jan Tomaszewski made at least four outstanding saves and was clearly the Polish hero of the night.

The first goal came after 55 minutes. England had been attacking fiercely when, after a quick break from defence, Hunter missed his tackle and allowed Lato to speed along the left flank with England's defence left exposed.

Lato slipped the ball across to the right flank where the unmarked Domarski moved to shoot the ball under Shilton's dive.

The penalty-kick which levelled the scores came when Martin Peters was fouled on the edge of the area as he was about to break through. Clarke made no mistake from the spot as he slotted home under extreme pressure.

The substitution of Chivers for Hector came too late and a very dispirited England team and crowd left Wembley having failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup finals.